Sermon Notes | Sunday, 16 August 2026

Romans 9:1-5 (NKJV) I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

In Romans 9:4–5, Paul gives us eight privileges belonging to Israel. While these privileges were uniquely given to Israel in redemptive history, each one gives the church and individual believers something important to understand about God's character, grace, and our response to Him.

The eight privileges given by the Apostle Paul are:

1. Adoption
2. Glory
3. Covenants
4. Giving of the Law
5. Service of God
6. Promises
7. The Fathers
8. The Messiah — Christ

When reviewing these eight privileges, we will develop three thoughts: Israel's spiritual privilege, application as Christ-followers, and a personal challenge.

Romans 9:4 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption...

God chose Israel as His covenant people and called them His "son." Exodus 4:22 "Israel is My son, My firstborn." Israel had a unique corporate relationship with God

Application: Through faith in Christ, believers have an even more personal experience of adoption. (Romans 8:15)

Challenge: If you know you belong to God's family, start living like you belong.

Romans 9:4 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory...

"The glory" refers particularly to God's visible manifestation and presence among Israel: the pillar of cloud, the pillar of fire, Mount Sinai. the Tabernacle, the Temple, the glory filling Solomon's Temple. Israel experienced God's presence in extraordinary ways.
 
Application: Live with an awareness of God's presence. Worship because He's present. Pray because He's present. Make decisions knowing He's present. Resist temptation knowing He's present. Conduct yourself differently because He's present.

Challenge: Don't just go to church looking for God's presence. Carry His presence with you when you leave!

Romans 9:4 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants...

Israel received God's covenant promises through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and the promised New Covenant. God repeatedly demonstrated His commitment to His people.

Application: Build your life on God's promises rather than your circumstances. Circumstances change - God's Word doesn't.

Challenge: When circumstances tell you "God has forgotten you," answer with "God has made promises to me."

Romans 9:4 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law...

Israel received God's revealed moral law and will through Moses. They knew what God required.

Application: Don't merely own a Bible—let the Bible own you. The Word of God should shape our thinking, correct our behavior, guide our decisions, convict our hearts, and strengthen our faith.

Challenge: If God's Word isn't shaping your life, something else is. Ask yourself, "Am I merely reading the Bible, or am I living it?"

Romans 9:4 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God...

"The service of God" refers especially to Israel's worship and priestly service, the tabernacle, temple, priests, sacrifices, and their worship. They were entrusted with serving God. The entire system of temple service was a requirement for acceptable worship.

Application: Stop asking, "What can the church do for me?" and start asking, "What can I do for the church, for the kingdom?"

Challenge: Find a place to serve—and serve faithfully.

Romans 9:4 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises...

God gave to Israel the promise of the Messiah’s reign and the promise of blessings that will flow from that reign. No other nation has ever been given these promises. All other nations receive their blessings through Israel and Israel’s King.

Application: Believers have tremendous promises through Christ: salvation, forgiveness, God's presence, protection, provision, grace, mercy, resurrection, eternal life, Christ's return, and a future glorification! Live with hope because God's future is certain.

Challenge: Don't allow today's problems to make you forget tomorrow's promises.

Romans 9:4-5 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers...

Paul points to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the patriarchs. Israel had a rich spiritual heritage. They could look backward and see God's faithfulness.

Application: Looking at our own spiritual heritage, we should value those who have gone before us. (Hebrews 12:1) Appreciate your spiritual heritage, but don't depend on it.

Challenge: Don't be the generation that breaks the chain of faith. Be the generation that strengthens it.

Romans 9:4-5 (NKJV) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came...

The greatest honor and blessing ever given to the nation of Israel was that from its loins came Jesus the Messiah.

Application: We don't merely know about Christ. We have the privilege of knowing Christ.
(Philippians 3:10)

Challenge: Make Jesus the center—not merely a part—of your life.

There's something sobering about Romans 9. Israel had incredible spiritual privileges—but privilege did not automatically produce faithfulness.

Spiritual privilege is never a substitute for saving faith. You can grow up in church, know Scripture, serve in ministry, sing the songs, sit under Bible preaching, have Christian parents, have a Godly heritage, and still miss Christ!

So the question isn't, "What spiritual privileges have I received?" The question is, "What am I doing with the spiritual privileges God has given me?"

1. Privilege does not guarantee salvation.
2. Greater privilege brings greater responsibility.
3. Paul's heart should become our heart.

“Lord Jesus, today I receive Your grace. I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT) “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”